These guidelines for the appropriate use of herbal medicines are intended to facilitate the work of national health authorities. It is hoped that they can cover a wide range of issues and meet the different situations of countries and areas in the Region. These guidelines can be modified by each Member State to suit their own specific needs. It is hoped that each interested country will eventually develop its own management and regulatory system for herbal medicine which will best suit its own situation. A phased approach to the adoption of the guidelines should be considered by Member States.

These guidelines also provide reference points for researchers, manufacturers and traders.